The New York Institute of Art and Design offers online event planning courses and because we do, we like to provide free tips for event planners. Enjoy!
As an event planner, it’s important to consider seasonality as you plan the catering aspect of a special occasion. Most likely, you’ll come to find a frequent reference of locally-grown foods in doing so. Any foods you order for your event that have been locally grown and in-season are likely going to be much fresher and better quality than those ordered elsewhere.
A recent upswing of interest in locally grown food has catalyzed an event-planning sub-industry of “farm-to-table” events at which every item served on the menu has been grown somewhere local.
If you’re interested in learning to plan a farm-to-table event, keep in mind the benefits. Often, the food you order is also less expensive in addition to the aforementioned better quality. Many clients are also excited at the possibility of supporting nearby small business owners- after all, why pay more money for poorer quality vegetables flown in from another country when someone in your own town is growing them as well? If you want to find local farmers and food providers in your area, you should start by contacting your local Extension Service, or asking around at a nearby farmer’s market. Many farmers who otherwise never supplied a large scale event would likely be happy to entertain the new idea and work out a deal with you.
Want to learn more? Learn how to become an event planner with NYIAD’s online event planning courses. Request your free course catalog today!
